Hernando writer's children's books note value of the individual

Author Yolanda Cullagh of Hernando says her children's books using insects to carry a message of individuality stem from her childhood.

Have you ever imagined meeting a flying insect that could talk? Probably not. But in local author Yolanda Cullagh's new children's book, the impossible comes to life.

Starring Sherwood, a dragonfly, and his best friend, Vega, a firefly, "Sherwood and Vega: Forest Flies" paints a positive message about the colorful, bright, "shining star" quality each person possesses.

"This book is about the underdog getting noticed," said Cullagh of Hernando. "I want readers to know that you don't have to be well-known or famous to make a difference."

Cullagh said she has a personal connection to the story in that when she was a young girl, she struggled with her self-esteem, feeling much of the time like she was someone who was invisible to others around her.

"I felt small a lot of times when I was growing up, and that's why through this book I want my readers to know that it's OK to be different because we are all unique and bring something wonderful to the world. I want them to know they have something important to do; they are having an effect and will throughout their entire lives."

The 26-page book tells the story of two insect friends that meet up with a group of campers for a trip through the familiar and unfamiliar stars and constellations in the night sky.

It is the third book in Cullagh's Dragonfly Dreams Series that began in 2006 with the publication of book one, "Sebastian the Dragonfly," followed by "Sabina the Beach Fly."

The series is the first set of books Cullagh has ever written and published.

"It all started with my love for dragonflies," said Cullagh, "and when I thought about the myth that dragonflies only live for 24 hours, I thought to myself, if I knew I only had one day to live, how would I spend it. And that, not taking life for granted, was the premise for my first book."

Each book, Cullagh said, is written for readers of all ages and includes an important life lesson with the dragonflies positioned according to traditional mythology and folklore -- as winged messengers that encourage us to gain new, positive perspectives.

"The stories include something for everyone," she said. "They are great bedtime stories that include magic and something everyone can relate to. Plus, the pictures are great."

The books were illustrated by Cullagh's mother, Paulette Allen of Louisiana, who has most recently been recognized for her works by the New Orleans Art Association and other artisan groups.

Cullagh said she weighs the success of the books not by the number of copies she sells but by the number of readers they impact.

"That's what fulfills me as a writer -- hearing from mothers who have told me that my books helped their child learn to read and helped build their confidence," she said.

The next and last book in the series is expected to come out soon. It will feature a damselfly and a bumblebee, "two buzz-worthy flies that will have something to buzz about that's worth listening to," Cullagh said.

Cullagh's books are available for purchase online at cwingsbooks.com or by contacting Cullagh for more information at ycullagh@cwingsbooks.com.